Curious Plants for Curious Gardeners

Calanthe Orchid

Calanthe Orchid

15.00

Calanthe reflexa

natsuebine | 夏海老根

There are over 200 species of calanthe orchids. One cold hardy species of Calanthe in Japan is Calanthe reflexa. This easy to grow evergreen terrestrial orchid has long pleated leaves from 15-25 cm long and 5-8 cm wide. Plants form only small clumps with 4 or 5 flowering stems. From the center of the leaves a long unbranched flower spike rises up to 35 cm in height. The initial clump of buds emerges facing downward, but then grows directly upward to form the matured flower stalk. Flowers number from 6 to 25 and bloom sequentially. This orchid is found throughout the warmer temperate regions of Japan from Kyushu to Hokkaido. It prefers to grow in wet woodlands, along mountain streams, and on seepage slopes. I have often seen it growing almost directly in small streams or adjacent areas that commonly flood in the summer monsoon. I very hardy orchid seem to thrive in the garden with no special attention.